Robert “Bob” Bolin, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away due to Alzheimer’s Disease at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Mo., on October 16, 2020. Bob was born on March 13, 1935, the third child of Merl Virgil Bolin and Gladys Cynthia (Dixson) Bolin.
Bob spent his youth playing in the countryside of Randolph County and following his older siblings around to the local schoolhouse, until his father was called to war in 1945. At that time, his mother moved Bob and his 6 siblings to the city of Moberly, Mo., where he and his beloved sister, Betty Jo spent their time bicycling, swimming in a watering hole near the local train station, and making it their home until Bob’s graduation in 1954 from Moberly Area Community College.
Following graduation, Bob moved to Kansas City, Mo., to pursue a career in the metal industry, working for several different well-known companies until finally settling in as salesman for the Ryerson Tull, Inc., from where he would eventually retire. While in Kansas City, Bob met and married his first wife, Dottie Beadles. Born of that marriage were three children, Robert Keith Bolin, Gary Lee (Kelly) Bolin, and Cheryl Ann (John) Eagles.
In June of 1991, five years after Bob and Dottie had parted ways, Bob found love again after being set up on a blind date by his older sister, Betty Jo; and in June of 1992, Bob married C. Racene Bolin. Bob was known as a selfless man with a huge heart that was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a good friend to all and dedicated to his family; always emphasizing the importance of education and always doing what he could to ensure that they were taken care of. He enjoyed boating, working on John Deere tractors, ice cream, and coffee. He was a member of the Army Reserves and a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and the United Methodist Men’s group. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, Larry, and Lester and brother-in-law, Roy Gibler; and his sister, Betty Jo.
He is survived by his wife, Racene; his sisters, Mary Ann Gibler, Janet (Raymond) Dailey, and Patsy Kay Bailey; and his three children. He is also survived by his 10 beloved grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, October 17, 2020. Donations in Bob’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
We send along our sincere condolences to the family of Bob Bolin. Bob and I met while taking a small engine repair class at Ft. Osage
Vo-Tech several years ago. I found Bob to be both a good man and good friend. In getting to know Bob I leaned how much he loved his family as he shared his hopes and desires for them with me. I felt very lucky to have had Bob for a friend.
Don Erter
Racine, my deepest Condolences on the loss of Bob. May he rest in God.
Kate Lenihan
My condolences to Racine and the entire family. I worked with Bob for a number of years at Ryerson and got to know him very well. Bob was one of the good guys. One of the people you could always count on. One of the people you could depend on to make the right decision all the time. My life was better for knowing him.
Toby Proctor
Racine,
I was so sorry to read about Bob’s death. My thoughts ad prayers are with you.
Barb Buehrer
